President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria’s BUA Group and two United Arab Emirates-based companies, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, in Abu Dhabi.
He described the agreement as a major industrial and trade breakthrough, reflecting the renewed momentum in bilateral relations under his administration.
In a statement released on Monday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted that the MoU is a tangible outcome of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation following his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the UAE leadership.
These engagements, he noted, prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.
The MoU outlined collaboration in several strategic sectors, including sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions.
President Tinubu underscored that the partnership signals growing international confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and commitment to export-led industrialisation.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” he said, adding that the initiative demonstrated the capability of Nigerian enterprises to compete on a global scale and form strategic alliances with leading countries.
The President also highlighted BUA Group’s industrial foundation in Nigeria, particularly its integrated food processing operations and substantial investments in port infrastructure.
These, he argued, position the group to expand international trade integration successfully.
President Tinubu singled out Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, for commendation, noting his continued confidence and investment in the Nigerian economy.
“He has shown the world that Nigerian companies are capable of playing on the global stage,” the President said.
Reaffirming his administration’s economic vision, Tinubu stated that deepening bilateral partnerships is central to attracting investment, expanding exports, strengthening Nigerian enterprises, and delivering sustainable prosperity for the nation.
Under the agreement, advanced sugar refining and logistics infrastructure are slated for development in the UAE.
Officials involved said the initiative is expected to enhance value addition, improve supply chain resilience, and create structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
